Greyhound Racing

Let's talk about the dog sport of Greyhound racing. Did you know that a greyhound can run at full speed (approx. 40 mph) within just a few steps out of the starting gate? A top graded Greyhound racer at the height of his career can easily run an entire 550 yard distance in about 30 seconds. Really - I'm serious!

Most racing greyhounds run once or twice a week and usually have about 3 to 4 days between each of their races to rest - kind of like human athletes who must give their muscles time to recuperate from heavy exercise before they exercise again.

Greyhound racing is a dog sport that offers each of us an opportunity to watch some of the worlds most powerful, athletic, graceful and elegant animals on earth do exactly what they were bred to do - run, and run really, really, really fast. Kind of like the canine version of the feline speed demon, the Cheetah.

There is nothing like the experience of standing at the rail to watch one of these races. As the dogs run past you, you can almost feel their strength and pure speed. When off track, greyhounds are typically pretty calm dogs, very affectionate and friendly, and they make exceptional companions when they are adopted after their racing career.

Greyhounds usually train to race from around the age of 12 to 17 months. This typically involves building muscle and stamina in the dogs, teaching them exactly how to chase a lure, and learning to time the opening of the box so they do not lag behind right at the start of the race. At the end of training, greyhounds are eventually sent to whichever track is suitable to their level of competitiveness.

Greyhounds are also exercised pretty regularly between their races, and they are also given a high protein nutritious diet to keep them strong, healthy and in perfect racing condition. Some even get extra treatments such as massage, acupuncture and/or whirlpool treatments to ease those sore muscles.

The career of a racing Greyhound, barring any personal injury or lack of competitive drive, typically averages around 2 to 3 years. Oftentimes after that they are either adopted to a suitable home or kept by their owners for a few years to breed them.

Before the sport dies out completely due to lack of betters going to the track, you really owe it to yourself to witness the supreme athleticism that is a greyhound racer. And if you can't go to a race, try to find a lure coursing event in your area.